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White Collar Crimes Defense Attorneys In Jacksonville

White collar crimes are often nonviolent financial crimes. They get their name because they are often carried out by those in white collar professions, such as financial officers, bankers, corporate executives or politicians. Convictions can lead to fines, jail time and a significant impact on a person’s career and reputation.

If you are facing white collar crime allegations, contact us at Sheppard, White, Kachergus, & DeMaggio, P.A. Attorneys & Counselors at Law. Our experienced and dedicated attorneys will offer the legal guidance you need as you explore your defense options. We are proud to have been peer-review rated AV Preeminent* through Martindale-Hubbell, the highest honor they give out.

Common Types Of White Collar Crimes In Florida

There are many different types of white collar crime, including the following:

  • Embezzlement
  • Fraud
  • Ponzi schemes
  • Bribery
  • Insider trading
  • Money laundering

These actions are typically financially driven, such as an executive who misappropriates business assets for personal gain.

Steps To Take If Accused Of A White Collar Crime

If you have been accused of a white collar crime, it is very important to understand the exact charges that you’re facing and the options you have. When responding to fraud charges, remember that you have a right to remain silent, and you do not have to say anything that may incriminate yourself. You also have a right to an attorney, so it is often wise to wait to speak with authorities until your lawyer is by your side.

State Versus Federal White Collar Crimes

When a financial investigation targets you in Jacksonville, the boundary separating state offenses from massive federal prosecutions depends entirely on the nature of the transactions. Florida state courts routinely handle localized matters like corporate asset misappropriation or check fraud. However, when an investigation involves mail systems, wire transfers, banks, healthcare programs or activity crossing state lines, federal agencies step in.

Agencies such as the FBI, IRS and United States Postal Inspection Service utilize aggressive asset-seizure tactics that can freeze your personal and business accounts without warning. Furthermore, federal convictions carry strict sentencing guidelines.

How To Defend Against White Collar Crime Charges

Our dedicated team can help you explore defense strategies for white collar crimes. Some potential examples include:

  • Cases of mistaken identity, especially with digital or online transactions
  • Demonstrating that you may have made a negligent mistake, rather than intentionally committing a crime
  • Presenting an alibi or other evidence to show that you were not involved
  • Contesting the way that the police gathered evidence – if they performed an illegal search of your home, phone, or computer, for instance, then evidence gathered in that search may have to be excluded from the trial

These are just a few examples of white collar crime defenses, but we will help you determine the best way forward based on the details of your unique case.

Frequently Asked Questions About White Collar Crimes

White collar crime investigations often begin long before formal charges are filed. If you are already dealing with a subpoena, target letter or professional licensing concern, you likely have these questions most clients ask.

What should I do after receiving a subpoena or target letter in Jacksonville?

Receiving an official notice from a federal agency or a Florida state prosecutor means a criminal investigation is already actively moving forward. The following steps are therefore critical when responding to official government demands:

  • Secure all physical and digital records immediately without altering or deleting any files.
  • Limit all discussions regarding the matter exclusively to your legal representative to maintain confidentiality.
  • Avoid making any voluntary statements to investigators who approach you at home or work.

Many white collar cases involve extensive financial records and communications. Therefore, a measured response early in the process can have a significant impact on how the matter develops.

Can my white collar charges be dropped before a trial?

Yes. Not every white collar case proceeds to a jury trial. Depending on the facts, prosecutors may decide not to file charges, reduce allegations or resolve a case through negotiated agreements.

Several factors can influence the direction of a case:

  • The strength of the evidence
  • Whether investigators followed proper procedures
  • The availability of witnesses
  • Documentation that challenges the government’s claims
  • Federal or state prosecutorial discretion

Florida and federal authorities devote substantial resources to financial crime investigations. Addressing the root causes of the problem and presenting a comprehensive defense narrative can completely alter the prosecution’s perspective on the necessity of a trial.

Will a conviction result in losing my professional license?

Yes. For many professionals, the legal case is only part of the concern. Doctors, nurses, accountants, financial advisers, contractors and other licensed professionals may also face disciplinary action from licensing boards following certain convictions.

Potential consequences may include license suspension, probation, mandatory reporting requirements or, in serious situations, revocation of a professional license. The outcome often depends on the nature of the offense, the governing licensing authority and the individual’s disciplinary history.

Call Now For A Consultation

When facing serious white collar crime accusations in Florida, contact our firm at 904-356-9661 or by using the online contact form to set up your initial consultation with a defense attorney.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.